Many of us today have no choice but to work from home. But how do you do that successfully if you have kids to take care of?

You are in the middle of a Zoom meeting and suddenly your child comes out and asks, "Daddy, can you charge my iPad?" You say he has to wait, but he keeps asking. This can cause frustration and inconvenience. There may be times when working from home with children seems impossible; however, there are ways to manage these potential frustrations intelligently. It is normal to feel disoriented at first as your house transforms into both a workplace and a Montessori.

That's why it's important to know how to deal with this situation so you can meet your work responsibilities, help your kids with their homework, and find time for chores like cooking, laundry, and cleaning.

Set Schedules, But Stay Flexible

While working from home with children is difficult, you need to create a schedule that everyone follows. What time do you start? When do the kids wake up? Having these answers helps organize your day and minimize interruptions. However, because we are talking about kids, you must be flexible. Unexpected events will occur.

If your children are old enough, you can set a rule where they can talk to you for 5 minutes every hour. Talk to them and ensure they are willing to stick to the plan. But even then, interruptions happen. During these moments, maintain a positive attitude. You likely can’t work a traditional continuous eight-hour day. You may need to wake up earlier to get a head start, adjusting your deep-work hours around your children's energy levels.

Communication is Essential

Working from home with children is only possible if you reach an agreement. Children often understand when situations are complex; they understand what is happening and why cooperation is important. Have an open conversation with them. Explain that sometimes they need to play quietly or wait until Daddy finishes a phone call before asking a question. This helps them think twice before interrupting.

Establish Workspace and Play Zones

Separating spaces in your home is a powerful option. Each part of the house should be dedicated to a specific activity. For example, there should be no interruptions in your designated workspace. Similarly, designate an area where your children can study. You can turn this into a game so they become involved and aware of the "offices," the "school zone," and the "playground."

In addition to these boundaries, remember to spend quality time with your kids once the workday is over. Playing, talking, or reading a book together ensures they feel cared for and valued, which makes them more likely to respect your work boundaries later.

Encourage Creative Activities

At home, we asked Seth to write a diary to keep him occupied instead of spending all his time on Roblox. It enabled him to express his feelings and experiences—an incredibly positive activity to try with your children.

Do you work from home and take care of your children at the same time? How have you managed the balance so far?